Set timing on an Intrepid

Hi...

Not a mechanic, just an old retired electrical guy - but have you checked the knock sensor(s) ?

I *think* that a valid test is to let it idle, and while listening to the engine give the block a couple of light taps near to the knock sensor. If it's good, you should hear the effect as the timing retards and then comes back.

Take care.

Ken

You can't.

The 3.3 has never used a distributor cap or rotor.

Functional test of the EGR valve if it has one.

I suspect it has significant carbon deposits in the cylinders. My '95 Concord 3.3L doesn't ping and I drive in very hilly country. I've used Chevron regular in it 99% of the time.

That's not a bad idea actually. I might have to reset the computer after I change it (if it IS bad). It makes sense if I can't adjust the timing.

Crap. That's what I figured. I'll bet the distributor is injector timing, like on my 99 Ram.

Except mine, cause I've replaced it.

I'll check that out. I've had EGR valves go bad on other cars and it run like crap. Doesn't mean that's not it though.

I thought that too. I mentioned it in another post on the Dodge forums (which seems to be dead by the way). I guess there's not much I can do with that at this point, except a rebuild. Carbon deposits on the piston would seem to increase the C.R........ maybe not, but it's a thought.

Thanks for the info all. I'll check it all. I also thought the cat may be restricted, but it seems to hove plenty of power at high rpm = so it's moving air.

Trust me, you didn't. Closest thing that might be confused as a distributor would be the coil pack which is were the plug wires are connected to.

there are multiple ways an EGR can fail, stuck open or opening too much will symptom as runs like crap, not opening at all, not opening as far as it should or blocked passages will often result in knock.

Thank you, that's very helpful info. I plan to check it all Thursday.

Thank you, that's very helpful info. I plan to check it all Thursday.

The timing is automatically set based on the data collected from the cam and crankshaft sensors.

-KM

Well, um, to set the record straight....... as much as it pains me to say I'm wrong..... ummmm, I seem to have lost the distributor on my Intrepid.

Yea, that's it.

P.S. I don't think it means anything, but I filled up with the high octane stuff (ouch) and there's no knock. At least it'll get me by until I fix the problem.

Then you are mistaking a 3.0 for a 3.3, because trust me... the 3.3 has never had a distributor. The 3.0 has.

EGR can fail two ways. Failing to "always on" makes a car run like crap. Failing to "never on" makes a car ping more than normal but otherwise it will run *great*.

For the record, my problem seems to have been a faulty O2 sensor. She's running good as new again (almost!)